This is a timeless classic I had read before. It is the story of the early years of the most famous wizard of Earthsea and how his early years formed him. Earthsea is a place of a thousand islands far away and yet somehow familiar.

I first read this in 2011 and rated it 3. I was unimpressed with the book and its sequels and couldn't understand why it was supposed to be so good. I didn't see it.

Now on re-reading, I can finally appreciate the timeless quality of its beautiful language and the clear, recognizable plot that still does not feel cliched or dated at all. And I can see how this must have inspired so many other books I have read. (I am looking at you [b: Name of the Wind|186074|The Name of the Wind (The Kingkiller Chronicle, #1)|Patrick Rothfuss|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1515589515s/186074.jpg|2502879]).

Coming here and seeing my own 3 rating from just 7 years ago shows how much context means to reading books. My reading habits have changed and my enjoyment of this book is a completely different one.